Second Interview Success

Purpose

The second interview will be more in-depth, with more detailed and challenging questions than the first. This may also be an opportunity for another supervisor or manager to evaluate you. It is a time the company measures you against your competition.

The second interview is to determine your enthusiasm for the job and how well you will fit into the organization’s corporate culture. Specific qualities will be evaluated.

Before Your Visit

Do you understand the interview itinerary? Are the details clear? Dates? Times? How expenses will be handled? Who will meet you? Where will you be staying? Get the names of the people responsible for the arrangements. (You may be asked to make your own arrangements).

If you are not clear on any of the details, ASK!

Confirm EVERYTHING. If you have time, write a letter confirming the details. If time is short, verbally confirm everything with your contact.

Learn everything you can about the employer. Ask to see a job description. Find out who will supervise you. Ask about:

What you will be expected to accomplish in the first six months

Support for professional development

Performance appraisal system

Philosophy & management style of the organization

Employee turnover and/or how economic conditions have affected the organization

Dress appropriately for the trip. Remember, the person meeting you at the destination will also be evaluating you. If traveling by plane, be sure your interview clothes are in your carry-on bag.

Take extra copies of your resume, a list of questions, notes you’ve made while researching the organization, map, etc. Make sure you have an itinerary with you that lists an emergency phone number. You can never count on excellent weather and/or no mechanical failures.

Make sure you have enough cash to cover taxis, food, etc. A credit card can be helpful in an emergency.

While You Are There

Pay attention to the people and the overall work environment. Can you see yourself there and if you can, are you happy?

Will you fit the employer’s style? What are their expectations of you? Do people socialize a lot with each other? Is overtime work the norm? How do people dress? Do your potential co-workers have similar backgrounds and values to yours? What’s the corporate culture? Does it fit with your work style?

Rate the community. Will you be comfortable living there? Are there activities that are of interest to you? What’s the cost of living? Contact the Chamber of Commerce for detailed information.

Think about your priorities. Are recreation facilities a must? Do you want to be within easy commuting distance from home? What do you like to do on weekends? Ask the interviewers, other employees, etc., about the community.

Learn people’s names. Try to get business cards from each person you talk with throughout the visit.

Social events may be part of the selection process. Remember, big meals, free booze, late nights and unfamiliar surroundings are not necessarily factors designed to produce sharp responses the morning after. Practicing social and dining etiquette in moderation will help you enjoy the selection process while keeping you on task with energy and enthusiasm.

After The Interview

Turn in only those expenses directly related to the interview trip.

Write thank-you letters to key people – this includes the person who made all of your arrangements.

Follow up with a phone call if you have further questions or concerns.

When you receive the job offer, acknowledge it as soon as possible in writing. If you are rejecting the offer, tell the employer why – people like to know how you made your decision.

Never burn a bridge. If you were unhappy with the employer for any reason, use tact in discussing your concerns. You never know when or how you may come in contact with that employer in the future.